cream
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cream
The fatty part of milk that settles on the surface and is used as an ingredient in foods and drinks. In parts of Germany and in Austria also called 'Obers', in Switzerland 'Rahm'.
Zum Apfelkuchen gibt es frisch geschlagene Sahne.
The apple cake is served with freshly whipped cream.
the best part
Colloquial and figurative for something that is perceived as especially good, outstanding, or as the highlight.
Das Konzert war super, aber das Gitarrensolo am Ende war die absolute Sahne.
The concert was great, but the guitar solo at the end was the absolute best part.
The word 'Sahne' (cream) is most widespread in Germany. In Austria, you often hear 'das Obers'; in Switzerland, 'der Rahm' is common.
Für das Dessert benötigen wir noch einen Becher Sahne.
We still need a cup of cream for the dessert.
You can recognize the literal meaning of 'Sahne' (cream) from the context of food and drink. The figurative meaning 'something great' is often used to evaluate a situation or performance and often appears at the end of the sentence.
Ein Kaffee mit Sahne schmeckt besonders gut.
Coffee with cream tastes especially good.
In connection with food, 'Sahne' (cream) is often used with certain verbs. The most common are 'Sahne schlagen' (to whip cream), or 'steif schlagen' (to beat until stiff), 'Sahne unterheben' (to fold in cream), or 'einen Schuss Sahne hinzufügen' (to add a splash of cream).
Für die Torte musst du die Sahne steif schlagen.
For the cake, you have to whip the cream until stiff.
The expression 'Das ist die Sahne!' (That's the best part!) is colloquial. It is used to express enthusiasm for something that you see as the highlight or as especially successful.
Die Band war gut, aber die Zugabe war die eigentliche Sahne.
The band was good, but the encore was the real highlight.
cream
Both words can refer to the fatty part of milk. In ordinary German, „Sahne“ is used almost all the time, while „Cream“ mainly appears in product names or on menus with an international feel. For everyday shopping and cooking, „Sahne“ is the appropriate choice; „Cream“ suggests a more distinctive name.
Für die Suppe kaufe ich im Supermarkt eine Packung Sahne.
I buy a carton of cream at the supermarket for the soup.
Auf der internationalen Speisekarte wird die Soße mit Cream angeboten.
The international menu lists the sauce as being made with cream.
